The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 may well be considered one of the defining days of our generation. This is the sixth year following the day that brought tragedy, loss, heroism and unity. Though there are fewer events this year, something very special will soon be presented to the public.

The Flight 93 Memorial, nearly completed at this time, will be located in Sugar Mill Landing Park, near Union Landing Shopping Center. This memorial is built in honor of the heroes of United Airlines Flight 93, originally headed from Newark, New Jersey, to the San Francisco Airport. The 33 passengers and 7 crewmembers died, but prevented another disaster by foiling terrorist hijackers from reaching their planned destination. Many of these heroes lived, worked or grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Though many of us may consider ourselves lucky not to have been near ground zero and can be grateful for not losing any friends and family, we - as a country - have been left with deep feelings of that day. Perhaps, when we stand in silence to remember the pain and love of that day, we will hasten the healing process.